- Our recommended free VPNs for Linux
- Is there a good free VPN for Linux?
- The best free Linux VPNs: a detailed list
- How I tested free VPN services for Linux
- Compare free VPN software for Linux
- Limitations of free Linux VPNs
- Free VPNs for Linux you should avoid
- How to install a free VPN on Linux?
- Why you need a VPN for Linux
- Conclusion: free Linux VPNs have their limitations
- FAQ
As of April 2026 the standout 100 % free VPNs for Linux is Proton VPN, thanks to its open‑source Linux app, strict audited no‑logs policy, and unlimited bandwidth. Windscribe and PrivadoVPN are also solid free alternatives if you can live with 10GB of free monthly data and a more limited Linux experience. Since many other free Linux VPNs restrict you to a few gigabytes or make setup more complicated than it should be, NordVPN is a better short-term Linux VPN option. Based on my testing, it’s easier to install, offers faster and more stable performance, and comes with a 3-day Android trial plus a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Linux is an open-source and community-developed operating system. While Linux is the most secure OS, it’s also more complex to use, which is why many users often choose other operating systems.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced on Linux is VPN compatibility. Because Linux requires manual setup and a more technical interface, not every VPN works smoothly with it. Additionally, I found that even though some providers offer dedicated Linux apps, there aren’t many that include free VPN options.
To find the best free VPNs for Linux, I extensively tested over 20 providers. It’s important to note that free VPNs usually lack dedicated Linux apps and are generally not recommended. However, after the testing, I found Proton VPN, PrivadoVPN, and Windscribe to be the best free Linux VPNs in 2026. If you need more reliable performance and full Linux support, NordVPN is a strong paid alternative worth considering.
Our recommended free VPNs for Linux
Is there a good free VPN for Linux?
Yes, there are several good 100% free VPNs for Linux, and Proton VPN is my top recommendation. It offers a secure, open-source Linux app with unlimited data, a kill switch, and dedicated GUI and CLI tools for popular distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora. I also feel secure knowing it has a no-logs policy, which ensures my private data remains hidden and protected. But while it’s the top free VPN for Linux, it still has some limitations, such as servers in only 10 locations and a one-device limit.
Instead of using a free Linux VPN that has limits, I recommend to use a premium VPN that has a free trial or a money-back guarantee, like NordVPN. NordVPN is the best risk-free Linux VPN as it has a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 3-day free trial.
🥇 NordVPN is the best risk-free VPN for Linux in 2026
NordVPN is the best Linux VPN, as it is well-optimized, offers robust security features, and delivers fast speeds that I wasn’t able to get with other providers. I used NordVPN on my Linux device via the native CLI app, but you can also use it through the OpenVPN configuration files.
It’s also my top choice for streaming and torrenting on Linux. It has servers in 137+ countries, can easily bypass geo-restrictions, and has no bandwidth caps. Overall, NordVPN delivered excellent speeds and stable connections, averaging 756.3Mbps in my tests.
The AES-256 encryption, audited no-logs policy, and extra security features make NordVPN one of the most secure VPNs on the market. On Linux, I always enable the kill switch for extra protection, while Threat Protection helps block malicious ads and websites.
Although NordVPN is not a free VPN for Linux, it includes a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee. Pricing starts at $ 3.49/month, and you can also test it with the 3-day free trial before committing.
The best free Linux VPNs: a detailed list
To identify the best free VPNs for Linux, I tested over 20 providers and considered a few crucial factors. I looked into their Linux device support, no-logs policies, speed, and security features. Below, you can find more detailed descriptions of the VPNs I have selected as the best free Linux VPNs.
1. Proton VPN: free VPN for Linux with unlimited bandwidth
- Rating: 8.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Supported Linux distros: Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, MX Linux, Kali Linux, Elementary OS, Fedora, Arch Linux / Manjaro
Proton VPN is the best free VPN for Linux that offers unlimited bandwidth. During my testing, Proton VPN stood out for offering stable performance, unlimited data, and an easy-to-use Linux app that felt more polished than most free VPN options.
While it’s not as fast as NordVPN on Linux, I found it fast enough for everyday browsing and torrenting. However, Linux users who want a free VPN for streaming should note that the Free plan doesn’t reliably work for streaming, and in my tests struggled to unblock services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. Additionally, speeds on the free plan can also drop during peak hours, since premium users get priority.
For Linux security, Proton VPN is a very strong choice. It has an audited no-logs policy, is headquartered in Switzerland, and includes important Linux features like DNS leak protection and a kill switch to protect your data in case your connection unexpectedly drops. I tested both these features on my Linux by visiting ipleak.net, and I didn’t detect any leaks.
If you prefer a graphical user interface (GUI) on Linux instead of relying on the command line, Proton VPN is one of the best free options. It officially supports Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Arch Linux, and I found its Linux GUI clean, intuitive, and easier to use than manual CLI-based setup. It is especially convenient for Linux users who want a simple VPN without extra configuration.
There are only a couple of downsides: Proton VPN Free only has 10 server locations: Netherlands, Japan, Romania, Poland, Norway, Switzerland, Singapore, Mexico, Canada, and the United States. This gives Linux users fewer options for bypassing geo-restrictions. Additionally, the free plan only allows one device at a time. So if you want to protect all personal devices and premium features, Proton VPN’s paid plan starts at $ 2.99/month.
Pros
- Unlimited data
- Easy to install on Linux
- Dedicated Linux GUI app
- Based in Switzerland, outside of the Eyes alliance
- Strict no-logs policy to keep your data safe
- DNS leak protection and kill switch for extra security
Cons
- Limited free server network: 10 locations
For more information on Proton VPN, check out our full review or our comparison between NordVPN and Proton VPN.
2. PrivadoVPN: secure free VPN for Linux with streaming support
- Rating: 7.8 ⭐⭐⭐
- Supported Linux distros: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Kali Linux, Elementary OS
PrivadoVPN is an excellent free VPN for Linux because of its fast speeds and ability to unblock streaming sites such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. For Linux users who regularly consume media through browser-based platforms or tools like Kodi, Plex, and Jellyfin, that extra speed is a clear advantage. Plus, its unblocking capabilities are mostly attributed to the fact that PrivadoVPN owns and operates its own servers.
PrivadoVPN offers a 10 GB monthly data limit, which I found to be generous and more than enough for everyday browsing on Linux. Just like Windscribe, the free version gave me access to servers in 13 different locations across 10 countries, which is a solid advantage for Linux users looking for a free VPN plan. I tested multiple servers to see if the VPN would affect my browsing, and didn’t run into any issues reading the news or watching YouTube. I was also surprised to see that PrivadoVPN provided fast speeds when using it on my Linux device. Thanks to the WireGuard protocol, I didn’t notice any slowdowns, delays, or buffering issues.
Regarding privacy, the VPN is based in Switzerland (not part of the “Eyes” surveillance alliances), meaning it can’t be compelled to hand over your data to authorities. Furthermore, it maintains a strict zero-logs policy. I looked for an audit report to assess the policy in detail, but Privado has yet to be independently audited.
Privado offers strong DNS leak protection and a kill switch to protect your data when your connection terminates. I tested both features through ipleak.net. It’s also a very user-friendly VPN service, so you’ll have no issues setting it up on your Linux device.
Pros
- Fast speeds for an excellent browsing experience
- Great for unblocking streaming sites
- Servers in 10 countries
- Strict no-logs policy to protect your data
- Based in Switzerland, outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance
- Additional security features, such as DNS leak protection and a kill switch
- Step-by-step instructions to install on a Linux system
Cons
- 10 GB data limit
Do you want to know more? Check out our PrivadoVPN review.
3. Windscribe: free Linux VPN with generous data and dedicated Linux support
- Rating: 7.8 ⭐⭐⭐
- Supported Linux distros: Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch Linux, CentOS, openSUSE, Linux Mint, Kali Linux, Elementary OS, MX Linux, Manjaro, Pop!_OS, Raspberry Pi OS
Windscribe is a top free VPN for Linux as it’s a user-friendly provider with a powerful command-line app for Linux. Unlike many other VPNs, it also has no device limits, allowing me to protect my other devices alongside my Linux computer.
Note that Windscribe offers 10 GB per month if you provide a confirmed email address. Otherwise, you’ll only get 2 GB. This also includes access to servers in 10 locations, including the US and Canada.
Besides the CLI application, I added an extra layer of security by installing Windscribe’s browser extension. When testing this extension, I used the free Linux browsing utilities such as Blockers, including an ad blocker, a malware blocker, a social network tracking blocker, and a cookies blocker, which are necessary for a smooth and private browsing experience. Windscribe also proved to be a security-oriented Linux VPN as it auto-deletes cookies, limits WebRTC requests to prevent leaks, and even randomly rotates your user agent.
I also found Windscribe to be a reliable streaming VPN on Linux, as it has stable and fast VPN servers. For me, Windscribe worked excellently for peer-to-peer torrent downloads, too, mostly due to its dedicated torrenting servers and the fast WireGuard protocol. However, I felt constrained by the 10 GB monthly data limit. As a nice bonus, the VPN website has a detailed Ubuntu install guide with screenshots if you prefer a manual Linux setup.
Pros
- Servers in 10 locations
- Offers a CLI application
- Detailed Ubuntu install guide
- Ads and malware blocking with a browser extension
- Dedicated P2P servers
Cons
- Offers only 2 GB if you do not confirm your email
Discover more about this provider in our Windscribe review.
4. hide.me: secure free Linux VPN with no logs
- Rating: 9.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Supported Linux distros: Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch Linux, CentOS, openSUSE, Linux Mint, Kali Linux, Elementary OS, MX Linux, Manjaro, Pop!_OS, Alpine Linux, Void Linux, Gentoo
hide.me is another top free Linux VPN that supports a wide range of Linux distros due to the CLI app being written in Golang (a cross-platform programming language). It can thus be installed in any Debian-, Ubuntu-, or Fedora-based distribution. If you run into any issues, there’s 24/7 customer support, which I found helpful. They provided me with a useful setup guide, which even had a video, and also answered all my questions promptly.
The hide.me CLI Linux app is open-source and accessible on GitHub, where users can scrutinize it and contribute to its development. Like Proton VPN, it provides unlimited data and access to 8 server locations (including Canada and the US).
The VPN is both lightweight and powerful, with adequate download and streaming rates. I didn’t notice any slowdowns or lag when browsing or streaming content on Linux with hide.me. Its servers support torrent downloads and provide an array of modern security protocols to choose from. Moreover, hide.me is based in Malaysia, which has privacy-friendly data retention laws.
Another thing I found appealing about hide.me is that it is a member of the VPN Trust Initiative (VTI) and has been independently inspected to guarantee its zero-logs policy.
Pros
- Open source CLI app written in Golang
- Easy to install with step-by-step instructions for Linux
- 24/7 customer care
- 8 server locations
- Torrenting possible
- Strict no-logs policy to protect your data
Cons
- 10 GB data limit
You can find more information in our hide.me review.
How I tested free VPN services for Linux
I rigorously tested every VPN on the list to present the best free Linux VPNs. Below are the specific criteria I used to compile the list.
- Truly free (25%): I focused on truly free VPNs that are safe and secure. However, since free VPNs usually have limitations, I also tested premium providers that offer a money-back guarantee, which allows you to use advanced VPNs for free. One of them was NordVPN, an industry-leading VPN, which provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and is highly compatible with Linux.
- Linux support (25%): I covered providers that strongly support Linux by offering a user-friendly CLI or Linux GUI, easy installation, Linux documentation, and Linux-focused privacy and security features.
- Strict no-logs policy (20%): A strict no-logging policy is a top priority; not every free VPN provider handles your data with care. Luckily, none of the VPNs on the list logs any information about you.
- Speeds (15%): I tested each VPN and ensured it has consistent speeds on all or most servers. Do note that you will have limited usage due to most free Linux VPNs having data caps.
- Security features (15%): I aimed for providers with top-notch security features. Besides OpenVPN, I looked for features such as a kill switch and leak protection to prevent DNS, WebRTC, or IPv6 leaks.
Learn more about our VPN testing criteria.
Compare free VPN software for Linux
| Free VPN for Linux | Rating | Best for: | Data allowance | Supported Distros | Monthly price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. NordVPN | 9.3⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Premium performance (trial only, not truly free) | Unlimited data | Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, and Raspberry Pi OS | $ 3.49/month |
| 2. Proton VPN | 8.9⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Unlimited privacy-focused browsing and an easy-to-use GUI | Unlimited data | Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, MX Linux, Kali Linux, Elementary OS, Fedora, Arch Linux / Manjaro | $ 2.99/month |
| 3. PrivadoVPN | 7.8⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Streaming + fast free servers | 10GB/month | Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Kali Linux, Elementary OS | $ 1.11/month |
| 4. Windscribe | 7.5⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Flexible free plan + ad blocking | 10GB/month | Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch Linux, CentOS, openSUSE, Linux Mint, Kali Linux, Elementary OS, MX Linux, Manjaro, Pop!_OS, Raspberry Pi OS | $ 5.75/month |
| 5. hide.me | 7.4⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Privacy + unlimited/free flexible use | Unlimited data | Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Arch Linux, CentOS, openSUSE, Linux Mint, Kali Linux, Elementary OS, MX Linux, Manjaro, Pop!_OS, Alpine Linux, Void Linux, Gentoo | $ 2.69/month |
Limitations of free Linux VPNs
A free VPN is capable of providing adequate service, but often it pales in comparison to a premium VPN. A free VPN for Linux has the following disadvantages:
- Limited server options. While Proton VPN is a safe free VPN for Linux, it only allows connecting to servers in 10 locations. By using a premium VPN like NordVPN, you’ll have no limitations and can choose from 9300 servers in 137 countries.
- Data caps that restrict usage. Free VPNs like PrivadoVPN and Windscribe have data caps, meaning you can use up to 10GB of data per month. Instead of them, I recommend Proton VPN, as it’s the only free VPN for Linux with no data caps.
- Advanced security features are reserved for premium accounts. Free VPNs usually don’t offer all features to their free users, such as obfuscated servers, faster protocols, dedicated IPs, double VPNs, and split tunnelling. As a result, Linux users may experience slower speeds, weaker protection, reduced bypassing capabilities, and limited streaming. But by taking NordVPN’s subscription with the 30-day money-back guarantee, you’ll be able to try all these advanced features and still get your money back if you end up disliking the service.
- Slow speeds due to the priority of premium users. If you decide to get a free VPN for Linux, you might experience noticeable slowdown, as the same free servers are used by many users at once. To avoid this, you may want to opt for a reliable VPN, like NordVPN, which delivers fast speeds at 756.3Mbps on average and has a wide selection of features, meaning you will not experience any slowdowns. While it’s not completely free, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee you can use to test the service risk-free.
As a Linux user, I recommend opting for a premium VPN with a money-back guarantee instead of a free Linux VPN, since it doesn’t have significant limitations that a free VPN does. That said, free VPNs don’t cost anything, so you won’t lose anything by trying them. My top free Linux VPN is Proton VPN, as it has unlimited data, respectable speed, and solid security and privacy features.
Free VPNs for Linux you should avoid
During my in-house testing, I found that not every VPN, free or premium, works well with Linux. Some (free) VPNs that Linux users should avoid are:
- Private Internet Access (PIA): In theory, PIA is a decent option with a GUI for Linux, open-source and transparent, and multiple distro support. However, I found its performance to be spotty, as I kept experiencing blocked servers and issues with browsing.
- SecurityKISS: Despite SecurityKISS being a somewhat popular VPN, I recommend users to be highly cautious. I discovered that the VPN has a poor anti-logging policy and uses outdated protocols. For example, it implements the PPTP protocol, which is known to be insecure.
- VPNBook: VPNBook has a terrible privacy policy; the VPN logs your IP address and timestamps, which can be used to track your online activities. I noticed its speeds are also quite slow, which makes for an unpleasant browsing experience.
- TunnelBear: TunnelBear is compatible with Linux devices, but I found its installation process complicated, which might make it difficult to set up for less tech-savvy people. Even though there are instructions available, it’s completely native. Additionally, I experienced some issues with speed and overall connectivity when using TunnelBear across different Linux distributions.
As a general note, you should be cautious when using VPNs that claim they are entirely free. In most cases, you’re paying for the service in other ways you may not be aware of.
How to install a free VPN on Linux?
To install a free VPN on Linux, you can use OpenVPN together with a free VPN service, such as Proton VPN. You’ll need to update your systems’ package repository, install OpenVPN, and set it up using your VPN provider’s configuration files. Before setting it up, you need to download and import the configuration files, which typically include an .ovpn file.
However, I found an easier way to install a free VPN on Linux, using NordVPN, Proton VPN, and Windscribe. They all have native GUI apps for Linux, which guarantee an even more straightforward setup process.
Since the VPN setup process might differ depending on your Linux distribution, below you can find more detailed steps based on the Linux distribution you use:
How to install a free VPN on Kali Linux
For Kali Linux, Proton VPN recommends following its Ubuntu installation instructions, although support may be limited. Below are the steps to install Proton VPN on Kali Linux using that method:
- Open Terminal and download the Proton VPN repository package with “wget https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/dists/stable/main/binary-all/protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.8_all.deb”
- Install the Proton VPN repository and update your package list with “sudo dpkg -i ./protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.8_all.deb && sudo apt update”
- Install the Proton VPN app with “sudo apt install proton-vpn-gnome-desktop”
- Launch the Proton VPN app from your applications menu
- Log in with your Proton account credentials. If needed, create a free Proton account first.
If you decide to use a completely free VPN like Proton VPN, these steps will not be applicable, as Proton VPN does not offer a native CLI for Kali Linux. Instead, you’ll need to set it up manually using OpenVPN.
How to set up a free VPN on Linux Mint
Although Linux Mint is not one of Proton VPN’s officially supported distros, I had no issues getting it to work in my testing. That said, you can install it on Linux Mint with the native GUI app, and below you’ll find the setup steps:
- Download the Proton VPN repository package with “wget https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/dists/stable/main/binary-all/protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.8_all.deb”
- Open Terminal and install the Proton VPN repository on your system with “sudo dpkg -i ./protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.8_all.deb && sudo apt update”
- Input your password for the installation to start
- Install the Proton VPN client with “sudo apt install proton-vpn-gnome-desktop”
- Launch the Proton VPN app from your system’s application menu
- Log in to Proton VPN with your Proton account credentials. If needed, create a free account at https://protonvpn.com
NOTE:
To install Proton VPN on Linux Mint, skip the optional Linux system tray icon step, as it can install the full GNOME desktop environment as a dependency.
How to download and install a free VPN on Ubuntu 18.04
Another way to set up Proton VPN is by using OpenVPN. You can use this method for various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu 18.04:
- Install OpenVPN and set it up on your Linux device with “sudo apt-get install openvpn”
- Download Proton VPN’s .ovpn configuration files by logging into https://account.protonvpn.com/downloads
- If you downloaded a batch of files as a ZIP archive, install the unzip tool with “sudo apt-get install unzip” and extract them
- Get your specialized Proton VPN OpenVPN credentials from https://account.protonvpn.com/ and look under the Account > OpenVPN / IKEv2 username section. Note that these are different from your regular Proton login details
- Connect to a server by importing the OpenVPN configuration file into your VPN client and entering your OpenVPN credentials
Why you need a VPN for Linux
Despite Linux being one of the most secure operating systems today, it doesn’t keep user activity private. This is where a VPN comes in: it adds an extra layer of protection beyond the Linux operating system environment.
Here’s why you need a VPN for Linux:
- Security and privacy: Even on Linux, your internet activity can be tracked by your ISP, hackers, or government agencies. A VPN encrypts your Linux traffic and keeps your data secure.
- Torrenting: Many Linux users rely on torrents, but torrent sites are often blocked or monitored. With a VPN, you can access blocked torrent sites and keep your downloading activities private.
- Avoid geo-blocking: Streaming on Linux can be limited due to regional restrictions. By changing your IP address, you can access streaming content that is blocked in your region, including live sports events.
- Avoid censorship: In countries such as China, Russia, or Egypt, a VPN is necessary to avoid government censorship.
Check out all the benefits a VPN has to offer in our article about the advantages of a VPN.
Conclusion: free Linux VPNs have their limitations
After testing over 20 VPNs, I realized that there are no free Linux VPNs without limitations. While free providers can provide a secure and stable connection and even unlock geo-restricted services, all free Linux VPNs have significant limits on servers and data.
But if you’re still interested in trying a completely free VPN for Linux, my recommendation is Proton VPN. It offers unlimited data, total privacy, and is highly compatible with various Linux distros. That said, it doesn’t support geo-blocked streaming, which is a big drawback.
To get the most out of your VPN, I suggest opting for a reliable Linux VPN, like NordVPN, which you can try out risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Due to a wide server network, fast speeds, and robust security features, it allows its Linux users to stream, torrent, and browse safely without limitations.
If you have other systems in need of a VPN, I recommend you read our other guides:
- Best VPNs for Android
- Best Free VPNs for iPhone
- Best VPNs for Windows
- Best VPNs for Mac
- Top 3 completely free Mac VPNs
- The 5 Best VPNs for Accessing the Dark Web
FAQ
Do you have more questions about the best free VPN for Linux? Click on the questions below to see the answers!
There are 100% free VPNs for Linux, with the top three being Proton VPN, hide.me, and Windscribe. Based on my tests, Proton VPN offers unlimited data and strong privacy with a native app, while hide.me provides a free command-line client without a data cap, and Windscribe offers 10GB/month with a good CLI experience.
The best free VPN for Ubuntu is Proton VPN thanks to its unlimited data, strong privacy features, and official Ubuntu support. That makes it a better pick than most free VPNs that cap your data or require more complicated setup.
hide.me is the best free VPN for Linux Mint since it officially supports Linux Mint and offers a user-friendly Linux app with strong security features. While many free VPNs focus more on Ubuntu or Debian, hide.me works well for Linux Mint users who want broader compatibility.
The best free VPN for Kali Linux is Proton VPN because it is the strongest free VPN for Linux overall and offers flexible setup options for Debian-based systems like Kali. Since Kali users often prefer terminal-based tools, Windscribe and hide.me are also solid free alternatives.
If you want a Linux free VPN without registration, hide.me is the top pick. It is especially useful for Linux users who want a simple setup without handing over an email address first.
While NordVPN doesn’t have a completely free service, it has a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee, which you can use on Linux risk-free. NordVPN is better than many free VPNs as it has a dedicated GUI app, a wide selection of servers, and no speed limitations. Besides, it’s one of the most secure VPNs on the market, which ensures IP and DNS leak protection and offers advanced security features.
I'm Confused has this page points to Free VPN's..
None of them are free they require monthly subs.
Hi Nige,
The VPNs listed are so-called freemium VPNs. They offer a monthly subscription to their full package, but you can also use these VPNs for free. If you choose the free option, you will have some limitations. For example, some free versions have data limits, others might give you access to a limited amount of servers.
It might take some effort to find the free versions. You can usually install the VPN without subscribing. You will be prompted to create a free account when you start using it.
It would be nice to see supported init systems. I've been using ProtonVPN for a couple of years. I came across some issues with systemd and subsequently moved from Arcolinux to Artix Linux with open-rc, both of which are Arch based distros. Unfortunately, protonvpn requires systemd, and therefore I'm looking to replace it.
Hi Bob! It's indeed a known issue that not all Linux systems work (seamlessly) with VPNs like Proton VPN. It seems that Proton might work if you manually configure it for OpenVPN, so that might still be an option if you're looking for it. You can find the instructions on the Proton website.
Slackware Linux DOES have OpenVPN built into it.
Thank you, Mark! You're right. We've added a note to the article.